Celtics seek to find Mo

Posted By
Paul Flannery
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May 1, 2010 @ 7:40 pm
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General |
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CLEVELAND — Rajon Rondo[1] is one of the best offensive rebounding point guards in the NBA. For a team that doesn’t get a lot of offensive boards to begin with, his ability to crash the glass and keep possessions alive is yet another piece of Rondo’s unique package.

But against the Cavs, Rondo may have to use his discretion. That’s because Mo Williams[2], Cleveland’s ace 3-point specialist is on the other side.

“Offensive rebounds are great as long as you get them, but when you don’t get them you’re probably going to give up a basket on the offensive end.,” Doc Rivers[3] said prior to Game 1. “Against Cleveland, it’s even more important because if our points guards go to the glass and don’t get it, Mo Williams is probably going to get a 3. Most of his 3’s against us came in transition. Most of Mo’s 3’s against everyone else came through set offense. We’re pretty sure that we have to get back and find him.”

Williams shot 55 percent on 3’s against the Celtics[4] this season (12-for-22) and the Celtics have made defending the arc a tip priority in this series. The other concern for Rivers is that when Rondo drives to the basket, that could leave him vulnerable in transition.

“Mo will leak out,” Rivers said. “That’s the other place that he got 3’s.”

Still, Rivers doesn’t want to completely take away this aspect of Rondo’s game. Just as he is allowed some leeway on the perimeter when he goes for steals, he is also allowed some latitude when he crashes the glass.

Cavs coach Mike Brown[5] indicated that it’s difficult to prepare for Rondo because there’s no way to replicate what he does in practice.

“I think that guy is in Jamaica,” Rivers said. “His name is Usain Bolt. Just like we can’t recreate LeBron [James[6]]. You can’t recreate any of those guys.”

Rivers has spoken in glowing terms about Rondo’s increased maturity this season. From running the team and calling plays, to knowing when to gamble for steals and you can add his rebounding to that list, as well. There’s a lot riding on Rondo’s shoulders in this series.